Action verbs (also called power words) are powerful verbs that conjure a stronger sense of doing than other verbs. They’re not necessarily a different part of speech or a technical classification of verbs—rather, they’re a rising buzzword in resume writing and other forms of business <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a>.
Using powerful action verbs—like “mobilized” or “spearheaded”—when you describe past work experience can make your resume stand out and sound more impressive to recruiters than one using more passive-sounding verbs like “worked with” or “utilized.” It can also provide potential employers with a more precise understanding of what your past [awards and achievements](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/awards-on-resume-explained) entailed.

For example, consider a resume line that starts out with “Led a team of five”—and now consider th same line with a stronger action verb, like “Mentored a team of five.” The strong action verb amplifies the concept and will draw the attention of hiring managers used to seeing the run-of-the-mill “led.”
Here are some resume action words to help paint a picture of your communication skills, creative skills, technical skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving capabilities for potential employers:

- Cataloged
- Compiled
- Computed
- Conceptualized
- Critiqued
- Debugged
- Familiarized
- Furthered
- Inventoried
- Mediated
- Mentored
- Navigated
- Oversaw
- Piloted
- Pioneered
- Quantified
- Streamlined
- Systematized
- Tutored
All you need is a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief","linkCopy":"editor in chief","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>editor in chief</a> of *Teen Vogue* and host of CBS’ *The Talk*), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s *Insecure*), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams. 
From management skills to teamwork, here are some action verbs to help strengthen the job descriptions for your resume bullet points and cover letter.

From management skills to teamwork, here are some action verbs to help strengthen the job descriptions for your resume bullet points and cover letter. 

Resume Action Verbs: A List of Action Verbs for Resume Writing

Action verbs (also called power words) are powerful verbs that conjure a stronger sense of doing than other verbs. They’re not necessarily a different part of speech or a technical classification of verbs—rather, they’re a rising buzzword in resume writing and other forms of business <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a>.

What Are Action Verbs?

Using powerful action verbs—like “mobilized” or “spearheaded”—when you describe past work experience can make your resume stand out and sound more impressive to recruiters than one using more passive-sounding verbs like “worked with” or “utilized.” It can also provide potential employers with a more precise understanding of what your past <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/awards-on-resume-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/awards-on-resume-explained","linkCopy":"awards and achievements","category":null}'>awards and achievements</a> entailed.For example, consider a resume line that starts out with “Led a team of five”—and now consider th same line with a stronger action verb, like “Mentored a team of five.” The strong action verb amplifies the concept and will draw the attention of hiring managers used to seeing the run-of-the-mill “led.”

How to Use Action Verbs on a Resume

Here are some resume action words to help paint a picture of your communication skills, creative skills, technical skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving capabilities for potential employers:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Cataloged </li><li class="">Compiled </li><li class="">Computed </li><li class="">Conceptualized </li><li class="">Critiqued </li><li class="">Debugged </li><li class="">Familiarized </li><li class="">Furthered </li><li class="">Inventoried </li><li class="">Mediated </li><li class="">Mentored </li><li class="">Navigated </li><li class="">Oversaw </li><li class="">Piloted </li><li class="">Pioneered </li><li class="">Quantified </li><li class="">Streamlined </li><li class="">Systematized </li><li class="">Tutored </li></ul>

List of Resume Action Verbs

All you need is a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief","linkCopy":"editor in chief","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>editor in chief</a> of Teen Vogue and host of CBS’ The Talk), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s Insecure), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams.

Ready to Start Designing Your Dream Career?

From management skills to teamwork, here are some action verbs to help strengthen the job descriptions for your resume bullet points and cover letter.

From management skills to teamwork, here are some action verbs to help strengthen the job descriptions for your resume bullet points and cover letter. 
